Many dog owners spend their walks focusing on controlling their dog’s behaviour — keeping them close, stopping pulling, or constantly asking for attention. But one of the most valuable things you can teach your dog is something much simpler: choosing to check in with you voluntarily. When your dog naturally looks at you during a walk, they’re making a decision to reconnect with you despite everything happening around them. That choice is powerful because it builds genuine eng

Finding the right dog walker or doggy day care is about much more than fitting your schedule — it’s about choosing someone you trust with your dog’s safety, welfare, and overall wellbeing. Your dog isn’t simply being supervised; they’re spending time with someone who plays an important role in their daily experience, emotional health, and quality of life. A good dog care provider should always put your dog’s welfare first. Every dog is an individual, with different needs, per

One of the biggest misconceptions about dog behaviour is that unwanted behaviours are simply the result of a dog being “naughty” or disobedient. In reality, as a dog behaviourist, one of the most common issues I see isn’t bad behaviour at all — it’s dogs living overly restricted lives . Our dogs share a very human world. Their days are often shaped by our schedules, routines, and environments. Walks may happen on short leads, exploration can be limited, and many decisions are

One of the most important things to understand about dog training is that not all dogs are wired the same . This is exactly why one-size-fits-all training approaches often fall short. At Help with Hounds , we focus on understanding the individual dog in front of us — including their breed traits, instincts, and natural drives. When training works with these characteristics rather than against them, progress is often much faster and more meaningful. In a recent session, we wo

Muzzles are one of the most misunderstood tools in dog training and behaviour work. Many people assume that if a dog is wearing a muzzle, it must be aggressive or dangerous. In reality, as a dog behaviourist at Help with Hounds , I often recommend muzzle training as a practical safety skill for all dogs . When introduced correctly using positive training, a muzzle simply becomes another piece of equipment your dog is comfortable wearing — much like a harness or lead. There ar

One of the most common — and preventable — causes of dog bites happens when a dog is disturbed while resting or asleep. As a dog behaviourist at Help with Hounds , this is something I regularly discuss with owners, particularly in households with children. Dogs, like people, need uninterrupted rest to stay emotionally balanced and feel safe in their environment. When that rest is disrupted, it can lead to stress, confusion, and in some cases defensive reactions. Here are some

One of the biggest misconceptions about dog training is that every session should go perfectly. In reality, dog training rarely follows a straight line , and that’s something we regularly explain to owners at Help with Hounds . Just like people, every dog is an individual. What works brilliantly for one dog might not work at all for another. This is why effective dog training isn’t about forcing a single method or rigid routine. Instead, it’s about observing the dog in front

Teaching your dog a reliable “leave it” cue can be a lifesaving skill. Whether it’s food dropped on the pavement, rubbish on a walk, or something potentially dangerous, a strong leave-it behaviour helps keep your dog safe. However, one of the most common mistakes I see in training sessions at Help with Hounds is how the reward is used during the exercise. Many owners ask their dog to “leave it”… and then allow the dog to have the item they were told to ignore as the reward.

One of the biggest breakthroughs in dog training often comes down to something very simple: discovering what truly motivates your dog. At Help with Hounds , we regularly explain to owners that understanding your dog’s favourite reward can completely transform your training sessions. The right reward helps your dog stay focused, engaged, and excited to learn — which means you’ll see faster and more consistent progress. Just like people, every dog has their own preferences. Som

When most people think about puppy training, they picture commands like sit, stay, or recall. But one of the most valuable life skills you can teach your puppy is much simpler: learning how to calmly settle on a bed or place mat. At Help with Hounds , we encourage puppy owners to build this skill early. Teaching your puppy to relax on their own mat gives them a clear place where calm behaviour is rewarded and reinforced. The benefits extend far beyond your living room. A pupp

At Help with Hounds , we often remind dog owners that a successful walk isn’t always about distance or constant movement. In fact, one of the most beneficial things you can do for your dog during a walk is simply to sit down and pause together . Many people believe a good walk means keeping their dog moving the entire time. But dogs experience the world very differently from us. They process their surroundings through sight, sound, and especially smell. Giving them time to qu

Bringing home a rescue dog is exciting. You’ve opened your home — and your heart — to a dog who truly needs it. But here’s the truth most people don’t talk about: Your new rescue dog does not need a big welcome tour. As a dog behaviourist, I see the same well-meaning mistake over and over again. Loving families move too fast — and unintentionally overwhelm the very dog they’re trying to help. If you’ve recently adopted a rescue dog, this guide will help you set them up for r

From a North Essex Dog Behaviourist Dog training sessions are not always easy. They don’t always go to plan. And honestly? That’s completely normal. If you’ve ever walked away from a training session feeling frustrated, disappointed, or worried that your dog “just isn’t getting it,” you’re not alone. As a professional dog behaviourist in North Essex , I see this every day — and it’s one of the most important things for dog owners to understand. Every Dog Is an Individual Just

Christmas is meant to be a joyful time, but for many dogs it’s one of the most stressful periods of the year. As a dog behaviourist, I see the same pattern every December: dogs labelled as “naughty”, “grumpy”, or “anxious” when in reality they are overstimulated, overwhelmed, and simply not being listened to. Busy houses, broken routines, visitors, children, noise, and food everywhere can push even the most tolerant dog past their coping threshold. Understanding canine behav

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